Former President Donald Trump is once again in legal spotlight as he faces a potential third indictment. The grand jury in session at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse in Washington, D.C. has drawn significant media attention.
Trump’s lawyers met Thursday morning with prosecutors from the office of Special Counsel Jack Smith, The Washington Post reported, citing a person familiar with the matter speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The meeting is another signal that Smith is near to seeking an indictment of Trump linked to the investigation of efforts to overturn the 2020 election and Trump’s involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the Post said.
Last week, Trump said he received a target letter from Smith in the Jan. 6 investigation.
Despite the looming legal challenges, Trump continues to lead the polls for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, The Hill reports. He has been vocal on his social media platforms, dismissing the investigations as a witch hunt and reiterating his unfounded allegations of election fraud.
The grand jury, which typically convenes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, was seen entering the courthouse on Thursday. Their absence on the previous Tuesday added to the suspense.
The courthouse, located between the White House and the Capitol along Pennsylvania Avenue, has been a hub of activity, with satellite trucks from various media organizations stationed outside, according to The Hill.
Amid these legal challenges, Trump has made a plea to Congress for intervention. In a video message, he called on lawmakers to probe what he terms “political witch hunts” by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
He also expressed his disapproval of the ongoing grand jury investigation into the events of January 6 and his efforts to reverse the 2020 presidential election outcome.
“My attorneys had a productive meeting with the DOJ this morning, explaining in detail that I did nothing wrong, was advised by many lawyers, and that an Indictment of me would only further destroy our Country,” said Trump on Truth Social. “No indication of notice was given during the meeting — Do not trust the Fake News on anything!”
The unfolding legal battles could potentially influence Trump’s prospects in the 2024 presidential race. Despite the mounting allegations, several Republicans, including his former Vice President Mike Pence, have labeled Trump’s actions leading up to the Capitol riot as “reckless,” but remain unconvinced of their criminality.
The potential indictment is part of Jack Smith’s investigation into attempts to obstruct the transition of power following the 2020 election.
Trump have involved other prominent attorneys that include Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and John Eastman where Giuliani and Eastman have either had their law license suspended or disbarred from their home state.
The Washington D.C. grand jury is expected to vote on the indictment this week resulting in a third Trump indictment.
Produced in association with Benzinga
Edited by Alberto Arellano and Newsdesk Manager
